The annals of Scottish history reveal that Kinkant was first used as a name by ancestors of the Pictish tribe of ancient Scotland. The Kinkant family lived in the barony of Kinghorn in the county of Fife. The surname Kinkant belongs to the category of habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads.

Early Origins of the Kinkant family

The surname Kinkant was first found in Fife, at the historic former Royal Burgh of Kinghorn, now a town which derives its name from the Scottish Gaelic Ceann Gronna, meaning "head of the marsh" or "head of the bog." Perhaps best known as the place where King Alexander III of Scotland died, this town is steeped in history including the former castle in Kinghorn which was frequently visited by the Scottish Court in the period of the House of Dunkeld. No trace of the castle can be found today. King Alexander III returned here to see his new wife Yolande of Dreux, but fell from his horse on the way and was found dead on the beach of Pettycur bay.

Early History of the Kinkant family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kinkant research.Another 239 words (17 lines of text) covering the years 1200, 1292, 1296, 1597 and 1513 are included under the topic Early Kinkant History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kinkant Spelling Variations

Before the first dictionaries appeared in the last few hundred years, scribes spelled according to sound. spelling variations are common among Scottish names. Kinkant has been spelled Kyngorn, Kinghorn, Kinghorne, Kingorn, Kynghorn, Kyngorne, Kynghorne, Kinghan and many more.

Early Notables of the Kinkant family (pre 1700)

More information is included under the topic Early Kinkant Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Kinkant family to Ireland

Some of the Kinkant family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.Another 155 words (11 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Kinkant family to the New World and Oceana

In those unstable times, many had no choice but to leave their beloved homelands. Sickness and poverty hounded travelers to North America, but those who made it were welcomed with land and opportunity. These settlers gave the young nations of Canada and the United States a strong backbone as they stood up for their beliefs as United Empire Loyalists and in the American War of Independence. In this century, the ancestors of these brave Scots have begun to recover their illustrious heritage through Clan societies and other heritage organizations. Early passenger and immigration lists reveal many Scottish settlers bearing the name Kinkant: James Kinghorn who landed in America in 1771; William Kingham settled in Barbados in 1674; Thomas Kingham settled in Maryland in 1722.

The Kinkant Motto

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: A favore regis nomenMotto Translation: The popularity of the name